Viggo Mortensen has reportedly dropped out of negotiations to play the male lead in Universal's upcoming film Snow White and the Huntsman.

Mortensen had long been rumoured for the part of the titular Huntsman, but according to The Hollywood Reporter, the studio could not afford Mortensen's demands for both an $8 million salary and gross participation.

Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron are still set to star in Snow White and the Huntsman, although there has been no word on whether the original December 2012 release date will change following Mortensen's departure.

Other actors previously believed to have been considered for the film's male lead include Johnny Depp and Tom Hardy.